A Mount Oliver homeowner got an unexpected guest at the pool on Monday: an albino boa constrictor stretched out on a raised deck, described as “lazily lounging” while the humans scrambled to call for help. The nonvenomous snake was removed without any drama and is now in the care of animal-rescue staff, according to neighbors and officials.
How the rescue unfolded
Police in Mount Oliver showed up after the homeowner reported spotting the snake on the 310 block of Church Avenue and asked for animal-control backup. Officers safely captured the albino boa, then handed it off to Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. Staff there confirmed the snake is being cared for and used the incident as a reminder that exotic animals require extra caution, according to WTAE.
What the law says
Pennsylvania generally does not flat-out prohibit owning nonnative reptiles such as boa constrictors, though certain species and activities can require permits, and local ordinances may be tougher. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission says its rules are aimed mainly at native reptiles and amphibians and stresses that it is illegal to release nonnative species into the wild, so owners need to follow both state and local regulations, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
What neighbors should do
Pittsburgh public-safety officials are reminding residents that anyone keeping exotic pets is responsible for keeping them securely contained, and that curious bystanders should not try to wrangle large snakes on their own. If you run into an unfamiliar exotic animal, the advice is to call your local animal care and control agency or the police nonemergency line so trained officers can step in. The Mount Oliver officers’ decision to call in animal-control help in this case is an example of the coordinated response these situations are meant to trigger, according to WTAE.
Where the snake went
The albino boa is now with Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s wildlife program, which takes in animals delivered by animal-control officers and evaluates nonnative species on a case-by-case basis. Residents who need advice about injured, lost, or surrendered animals are encouraged to contact the rescue directly or reach out to their local animal-control office for guidance, per Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh.
